Historic Annapolis will recreate the revolutionary spirit of 1765 this weekend to mark the 250th anniversary of the Stamp Act protests in Annapolis.
“Sons of Liberty Day” Oct. 25 will begin with a “March on Main” at 11:30 a.m.,
starting at the foot of Main Street, which was known as Church Street in
colonial days.
Living history re-enactors Matthew West, portraying patriot William Paca, Robert
Bruce Shibe, portraying printer Jonas Green, and Ted Borek, portraying
Annapolis loyalist Daniel Dulany, will lead participants on a mock protest
march to State House hill with an effigy of stamp commissioner Zachariah Hood,
recreating a scene from Aug. 26, 1765.
Afterward, revolutionary activities for all ages will take place from noon to 4
p.m. Oct. 25 at the William Paca House and Garden, at 186 Prince George St.
Re-enactors representing real people of 18th century Annapolis
will discuss news of the day, while His Majesty’s Marines, commanded by Capt.
Jim McGaughey of Crofton, and the 4th Company from the British Brigade of
Guards patrol through town and share their viewpoint.
There will also be a “Rebel Rum” tasting courtesy of Blackwater Distilling of
Kent Island for those over 21 and a variety of children’s games of the period.
The
“March on Main” is free and open to the public. Events at the Paca House and
Garden are included in the admission price.
In
addition to Sunday’s events, a one-hour walking tour titled “Revolutionary
Annapolis,” led by Historic Annapolis’ senior historian Glenn Campbell, will be
held at 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Sat. Oct. 24. The cost is $10 and registration
is available on Historic Annapolis’ web site, www.annapolis.org.
A
reproduction of Annapolis printer Jonas Green’s “expiring” Maryland
Gazette newspaper of the period and the “death’s head” he printed
instead of the British stamp will be on display this week (Oct. 19-25) at the
Historic Annapolis Museum, at 99 Main St. Entry is free.
For
more information, visit Historic Annapolis’ web site, www.annapolis.org, or call
410-267-7619.
